papaya

noun

pa·​pa·​ya pə-ˈpī-ə How to pronounce papaya (audio)
: a tropical American tree (Carica papaya of the family Caricaceae, the papaya family) having an oblong to globose yellow edible fruit with numerous black seeds in a central cavity
also : its fruit

Examples of papaya in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On one end, the route took the avocado and papaya from Mexico to Asia. — Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026 There’s a strong push towards bright polishes softened by clear finishes, from papaya-orange jellies to sea-green cat-eyes. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 20 June 2026 Breakfast is a joy, above the beach on the restaurant terrace, with endless juices and smoothies and little dishes to choose from, from coconut yoghurt with muesli to fresh papaya to spicy lentils. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 Some of its roasts include Las Cidras (with notes of coca, honey, Rainier cherry) and Alirio Munoz (with apple cider, papaya and lime). — Jenna Thompson june 10, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for papaya

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Spanish, borrowed from Taino papaya (or from a cognate Arawakan word)

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of papaya was in 1598

Rhymes for papaya

See All Rhymes for papaya

Browse Nearby Words

papaw family
papaya
Papayaceae
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Papaya.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/papaya. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

papaya

noun
pa·​pa·​ya pə-ˈpī-ə How to pronounce papaya (audio)
: an oblong edible yellow fruit with many black seeds that grows on a tropical American tree with large leaves
also : the tree

Medical Definition

papaya

noun
pa·​pa·​ya pə-ˈpī-ə How to pronounce papaya (audio)
: a tropical American tree of the genus Carica (C. papaya) with large oblong yellow edible fruit
also : its fruit which is the source of papain

More from Merriam-Webster on papaya

Nglish: Translation of papaya for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about papaya

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